Overview

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' is a bushy shrub in the genus Osmanthus, part of the Oleaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4.0 m tall. Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include hedging, specimen shrub and woodland plant. It is native to Japan.

About

Osmanthus heterophyllus, variously known as holly osmanthus, holly olive, and false holly, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae, native to eastern Asia in central and southern Japan and Taiwan.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Osmanthus heterophyllus

About the genus

Osmanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae. Most of the species are native to eastern Asia with a few species from the Caucasus, New Caledonia, and Sumatra. Osmanthus has been known in China since ancient times with the earliest writings coming from the Warring States period; the book Shanhai Jing: Nanshan Jing states: "The first peak of the Que Mountain range is Mount Zhaoyao, rising by the western sea, where many osmanthus trees grow, and where rich veins of metals and jade lie hidden."

Wikipedia contributors, "Osmanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Osmanthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Osmanthus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrub
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4.0 m
Suggested uses
Hedging, Specimen shrub, Woodland plant
Native to
Japan
Fragrance
Fragrant flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'

Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'?

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' need?

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' grow?

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' reaches a height of 4.0 m.

Is Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' hardy in the UK?

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'?

Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering, Seed.

From the Fenn Plants journal